This would end an effective ban on farmers growing GM crops, dubbed Frankenstein foods by some critics.

A law laying down tougher legal criteria than in the past to allow farmers to grow GM crops was due to come into force in mid-October, he said.

By applying stricter rules, the Commission hopes to foster agreement at the next stage of the approval process, a regulatory committee composed of representatives of the EU's 15 member states.

Since 1998, this committee has opposed new authorisations for growing GM crops, creating an effective moratorium.

"We cannot continue forever with this moratorium, it must end at some stage," Byrne told a news conference.

"We are now getting to the point very soon where we have enough legislation in place for consumers to be satisfied that they are adequately and sufficiently informed and protected as a result of the legislation that we have put in place," he said.

"When we have it (law) in place, I believe that is the time to consider making the moves (to approve GM crops)...this would have to be done in conjunction with the member states," he said.

"I believe that we are now getting to the point where consumers are sufficiently protected and they are given sufficient information."

Byrne's remarks, repeating the Commission's known stance on GM crops and food, were the strongest line that the Commissioner has taken so far on a possible end to the EU's official opposition to GM crops.

They should also please major trading partners such as the United States, keen to secure an opening for GM farm exports.

"I do feel that Europe must act now to prevent the biotech field being hindered by emotional reaction and apprehension. But at the same time, we must never compromise on safety, public health or the environment," Byrne said.

"I believe that then we will have to look into the situation very carefully, bearing in mind that we have legislation in the pipeline on labelling and traceability," he said.

"This is not a public health issue, this is a consumer choice issue."